A strained relationship...

So my blog has become like an old friend that you fall out of touch with. What will you say when you call? What if it's awkward? I've changed, had new experiences, how can I repair the relationship? And so I'd wait another day...and so now it's been two weeks. But you've got to make the first move to get reacquainted with my blog friends. After all, I don't think my blog is going to take the reigns. So here goes.

Grandma and Grandpa are here visiting us. We've had a lot of fun walking, playing games, and eating. The day after they got here we went to Sea World. It was a wonderful day for it with a cool start and a high in the 70s. Very different from the 90's during the summer when we usually head straight for the waterpark. We were able to enjoy the shows...Shamu, the Sea Lions and Viva all in one day. We also fed the dolphins, looked at the draft horses, and rode a few rides. Ethan even finished the year off with his first big rollercoaster...and he liked it. We're excited about that and Austin may have a partner for his daring rollercoaster rides next year!!

Posing with the SeaWorld Christmas tree.

Moments before the "Big Drop"!!

Of course we had Thanksgiving, which went really well, with everyone really eating at the table and enjoying the meal. We had all the usual...turkey, rolls, potatoes, green beans (not in a casserole) and cranberry sauce. That was followed by pumpkin cheesecake and lemon pie. We were very satisfied and Thankful. That night Dave and I took advantage of our willing babysitters and took off for an overnight adventure to Houston.

Making shortbread with Grandma (batch #1)

We had a little surprise in mind for the kids, but we also had a nice evening and day in Houston. While we were there we went to pick out the newest member of our family...a puppy!! We met 5 dogs of various ages and had no problem choosing our new friend as he continually came up to us and played with us. After a long drive home we presented our "gift" to the children who were overjoyed. They thought they would never see the day that we had a dog and here was a puppy!! It's a big job and we're knee deep into it now, but we love the little guy. His name is Jag, or Jagger, or Jaggy...depending on the person calling him.

Isn't he cute?

So old friend, let's keep in touch. I'll do my best, and remember I'm always thinking about you.

Anyone wanting to go to SLC...IMPORTANT

I know there are a lot of people who follow this blog that might be interested in flying to SLC. Well SWA is having a 50% off deal to SLC from their cities. The dates are 12/3 - 2/11 (with blackout dates from 12/18-1/4). So if you want to go the beginning of December or right after the new year you'll get a good deal on SWA. Must book by Tuesday 11/18. Just enter FLYSLC in the promotions code box. Just thought I'd share. Happy planning!!

BRRRRRRRRR.................

So it does get cold here...we had to turn on the heat this morning. We got our first frost last night and the house was a chilly 58 degrees this morning. It feels good now, but we've brought in some firewood to have a nice fire tonight during FHE (family home evening). It is beautifully sunny, so if you sit inside in front of the window you can get nice and toasty. I learned this trick from our smart cat who was curled up in the sun after spending a cold night outside.

Soccer has ended for Ethan's team with a two game winning streak. His team should be labeled most improved as they really came a long way this year. We're looking forward to the spring season with the kids knowing each other better and playing as a team like they have been at the end of the season. We're so proud of Ethan...he's a real leader of the defense on the field. He helps remind kids where to be and works together with the other defenders to get the job done.

Austin's soccer season is hopefully not over. They won their game on Saturday 8-0 and we think they are going to Western Districts, but it depends on the unlikely outcome of another game that was played between the #1 and #6 team. If #6 pulled off an upset they might move into 3rd place and push us out of districts. So we have to wait and find out about that game to find out. I'm hoping the coach will call soon to let the boys know. They will be very disappointed if we don't make it. They have gone to Districts both of last years seasons (fall/spring) and were gearing up to go this fall. We'll let you know.

I have finished painting the kitchen and almost the family room. It's been a very rewarding project to see the change...mostly to see the dirty smudgy fingerprints covered up with clean new paint!! It's the simple pleasures in life that make it a great day. I'll put up pictures when it's done....that should be by Wednesday of this week.

Other than that we're just trucking right along. It's hard to believe we're getting ready for Thanksgiving and thinking about Christmas. It goes by so fast.

Veteran's Day

Just a quick shout out to all our Veterans this day. Please remember to teach your kids about this day and to take time to remember and honor our military heroes. So many of the freedoms that we enjoy are because of the things they had to endure. God bless this country and our armed forces!!

The downside to mild winters

It has taken me a while to think of a downside to the awesome weather of Texas. I love it most of the time. The hotter the better and the longer it's hot and/or warm I'm good. So I'm usually happy with our mid-November 80 degree weather. But I have found that it doesn't make for good soup and stew weather. Who wants to simmer a pot of Lion House stew for 3 hours when the AC is doing it's darndest to keep the house cool? It's a better idea to throw something on the BBQ outside and avoid any unnecessary heating of the kitchen. So many of my soups and stews have been neglected.

But I've also learned that warm and cold are relative. So when I woke up this morning to the cloudy, maybe rainy skies that the weatherman predicted would only reach 76 for a high...I made some good stew and baked some homemade rolls. Very domestic I know. I'm enjoying a nice lunch with McKinley and we might even get to make a fire tonight if it dips into the 50's. After all that's freezing for around here!!

Christmas Shopping?

What happened the Thanksgiving holiday season? It seems like we jump straight from Halloweeen to Christmas overload. There is Christmas music on the radio and every aisle at Target is covered in lights and greenery. I guess it works though because I found myself browsing the aisles looking for Christmas present ideas for the loved ones on my list. And I even bought a few things. I guess you can't start too early to avoid the last minute rush, but I'd like to enjoy my big, fat turkey Thanksgiving dinner first!!

Early to bed...early to rise

"Early to bed, early to rise. Make a man healthy, wealthy and wise!!"

This phrase is usually my downfall...except for a night or two at daylight savings time. I just can't convince my body that the clocks have changed. I am tired at 8:30 at night and wide awake starting at 6 am with the sunlight...weird. Usually I am early to bed and late to rise...I love my sleep, but for two days a year I manage the early to rise part okay. I mean I always have to get up early, but for two days I'm not dragging myself reluctantly out of my warm, dark bed. I am awake, I'm actually ready to get out of bed. And then I get the hang of it and I'm back to my full night (and morning's) blissful rest!! I guess it's good for a few days...can I be wealthy and wise now??